I happened to be watching the Akin interview that Sunday morning and was not taken aback by his notorious comment. I understood Akin was meaning to say forced rape, as opposed to statutory rape.

And as a woman, I understand the complex female reproductive system and am aware that stress and, most certainly, trauma CAN (can, not will) cause impending ovulation to be delayed or halted. No ovulation means no pregnancy.

Does that mean pregnancy will not occur in case of rape? Of course not! Trauma may lessen the possibility, however if ovulation has already occurred shortly before unprotected intercourse, no matter if it is rape or consensual sex, conception is likely to occur.

Todd Akins gaffe was not worthy of destruction of his political career. He did not do anything illegal or immoral or malicious. He did not deliberately disparage women who were impregnated by rape. His words were sadly misconstrued by some people and deliberately distorted by political operatives in efforts to affect the November election.